White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

About this Place

Wat Rong Khun, universally known as the White Temple, is Thailand's most visually striking contemporary temple — a living work of art and active place of worship created by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat since 1997. The temple's dazzling white exterior inlaid with mirrored glass fragments symbolizes the purity of the Buddha. A bridge crosses a sea of reaching hands (representing temptation and suffering in hell) to the main hall. Inside, unconventional murals mix Buddhist cosmology with pop culture characters — Superman, Predator, the Twin Towers — as social commentary. The complex includes a golden building (Kositpipat's transformation of mundane wealth), a bridge of longing (ribbons and wishes), and museum gallery. Not expected to be complete until 2070. Free parking. Entry 100 THB. Come early (09:00) to avoid tour bus crowds. 13km south of Chiang Rai.